Cycling Rate Research Articles

Substituting Na for Excess Li in Li1+x(Ni0.6Mn0.4)1−xO2 Materials

NMC640, a series of Li1+x(Ni0.6Mn0.4)1−xO2 materials, are important Co-free mid-Ni cathode materials for Li-ion batteries, offering high energy density and better cost-efficiency than Ni-rich counterparts. These materials require excess Li compared to stoichiometric composition to improve the electrochemical performance in terms of rate capability and cycling stability. Although lithium-to-transition metal ratios up to 1.15 can be used to optimize the performance, less than 80% of this lithium is electrochemically active during cycling up to a 4.4 V upper cut off. This study explores whether some percentage of the inactive Li can be replaced by sodium to make these materials more cost-effective and bring potential improvements in electrochemical performance. Various amounts of excess Li were substituted by sodium in the structure. The results show that sodium can be integrated into the layered oxide structure without forming any impurity phases and effectively decreases the cation mixing observed in these layered structures. However, this does compromise cycling stability and rate capability. Na tends to occupy Li sites rather than transition metal sites, resulting in electrochemical instability and capacity loss. Even though excess Li is not electrochemically active, it cannot be effectively replaced by sodium without compromising battery performance of Li1+x(Ni0.6Mn0.4)1−xO2 materials.

Carbon Monoxide in the Marine Atmosphere and Seawater: Spatiotemporal Distribution and Photobiogeochemical Cycling

AbstractCarbon monoxide (CO) plays a vital role in the biochemical processes of marine microorganisms, climate regulation, and global carbon cycle. In this study, seasonal and spatial variations of CO and oceanographic factors influencing these variations were investigated in the East China Sea (ECS) during two cruises from 16 to 30 May 2020 and from 8 to 30 October 2021. ECS was as a net source of atmospheric CO in both spring and autumn. The average values of seawater CO concentrations ([CO]surf), atmospheric CO mixing ratio ([CO]atm) and sea‐to‐air flux of CO were 2.22 ± 0.47 nmol L−1 and 0.97 ± 0.86 nmol L−1, 182.8 ± 71.8 ppbv and 102.7 ± 38.8 ppbv, 96.14 ± 25.82 nmol m−2 hr−1 and 31.96 ± 35.61 nmol m−2 hr−1 in spring and autumn, respectively. A steady‐state model was used to estimate the biogeochemical cycling rates of [CO]atm over the ECS. The effect of CO sea‐to‐air fluxes on atmospheric ·OH concentration was likely decreased from spring to autumn. Photoirradiation experiments further showed that the actual contributions of ultraviolet radiation and photosynthetically active radiation to CO photoproduction in the surface waters were 72.2% ± 13.8% and 27.8% ± 13.8%, respectively. The sea‐to‐air fluxes of CO in autumn were 5.15 μmol m−2 day−1 lower than in spring, which were due to larger bacterial consumption and lower [CO]surf in autumn in the ECS. Further, this study is expected to improve our understanding of the biogeochemical processes of CO in the eastern marginal seas of China.

Dual-Gradient Concentration Distribution in Sb-Cu Alloy Nanoarrays for Robust Sodium-Ion Storage.

Alloy-type materials are attractive for anodes in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) owing to their high theoretical capacities and overall performance. However, the accumulation of stress/strain during repeated cycling results in electrode pulverization, leading to rapid capacity decay and eventual disintegration, thus hindering their practical applications. Herein, we report a 3D coral-like Sb-Cu alloy nanoarray with gradient distribution of both elements. The array features a Sb-rich bottom and a Cu-rich top with increasing Sb and decreasing Cu concentrations from top to bottom. The former is the active component that provides the high capacity, whereas the latter serves as an inert additive that acts against volume variation. The gradual transition in composition within the electrode introduces a ladder-type volume expansion effect, facilitating a smooth distribution and effective release of stress, thereby ensuring the wanted mechanical stability and structural integrity. The as-developed nanoarray affords a high reversible capacity (460 mAh g-1 at 0.5 C), stable cycling (89 % retention over 120 cycles at 1.0 C), and superior rate capability (354 mAh g-1 at 10 C). The concentration dual-gradient strategy paves a new pathway of designing alloy-type materials for SIBs.

Impact of Stiffness of Quadriceps on the Pedaling Rate of Maximal Cycling.

to investigate the relationship between musculoarticular stiffness and pedaling rate. twenty-two healthy, untrained male volunteers (19 ± 2 years, 175 ± 6 cm, 74 ± 16 kg) were divided into two groups after their musculoarticular (MA) stiffness was tested, and these groups were the stiffness group (SG) and compliant group (CG). A 6-s maximal cycling test was conducted in four cycling modes, which were levels 5 and 10 air-resistance, and levels 3 and 7 magnetic-resistance. Peak and average cadence, peak power output (POpeak), crank force (CFpeak), peak rate of crank force development (RCFD), and the angle of peak crank force were collected. The significance of differences between the two groups for these variables was assessed using an independent samples t-test. Pearson product-moment correlations were calculated to analyze the relationship between MA stiffness and each performance variable. the SG had significantly higher peak cadence and average cadence at level 3 magnetic-resistance, peak crank force, and peak power output at level 10 air-resistance, peak rate of crank force development at levels 5 air-resistance, 10 air-resistance, and 3 magnetic-resistance (p < 0.05). MA stiffness was significantly correlated with average cadence at levels 5 and 10 air-resistance, peak crank force in all 4 modes, and RCFD and peak power output at level 10 air-resistance. There were no significant relationships between MA stiffness and the angle of peak crank force in each cycling mode. results indicate that participants with relatively higher MA stiffness seemed to have a higher pedaling rate during a 6-s sprint cycling in these conditions. They also performed a superior crank force and rate of crank force development, producing greater power output when sprint cycling. Optimizing cycling resistance or gear ratio to enhance both RCFD and musculotendinous stiffness may be crucial for improving sprint cycling performance.

Cesium-doped manganese-based Prussian blue analogue as a high-efficiency cathode material for potassium-ion batteries

Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) are regarded as promising cathode materials for potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) owing to their low cost and high reversible capacity. Compared to other PBAs, potassium manganese hexacyanoferrate (KMnHCF) stands out for its superior capacity and operating voltage. However, Jahn-Teller effect of Mn3+ and the structural collapse caused by potassium ion insertion/extraction still affect the structural stability and electrochemical performance of this material. Herein, a green and efficient synthesis method is adopted to substitute potassium ions in KMnHCF with an appropriate amount of cesium ions to form a column effect. Cesium-doped KMnHCF (Cs-KMnHCF) mitigates the irreversible structural damage caused by potassiation/depotassiation and the Jahn-Teller effect, thereby improving the cycling stability. In addition, it widens the lattice channels, reduces the diffusion barrier of potassium ions, and optimizes the diffusion kinetics. By rationally controlling the doping amount of Cs+, the obtained K1.71Cs0.05Mn[Fe(CN)6]0.95·0.05·0.88H2O exhibits remarkable electrochemical performance, with an initial discharge capacity of 137.6 mA h g−1 at a current density of 20 mA g−1 and a capacity retention of 89.6% after 600 cycles at 200 mA g−1. More importantly, when assembled with a pitch-derived soft carbon anode, the full cell manifests excellent cycle stability and rate performance. This work is expected to provide a highly efficient cathode material for the practical application of PIBs.

A sulfur-infiltrated mesoporous silica/CNT composite-based functional interlayer for enhanced Li–S battery performance

The design and construction of functional interlayers for lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries has attracted much attention and was demonstrated to be effective to alleviate the notorious “shuttle effect.” An often neglected issue is that the introduction of interlayer will reduce the overall energy density of the battery. In this work, we report a sulfur-infiltrated mesoporous silica/carbon nanotube (CNT) composite as an interlayer for Li–S batteries. The mesoporous silica with large surface area (842 m2 g−1) and pore volume (0.85 cm3 g−1) can not only ensure abundant exposed sites for polysulfide capture but also accommodate a large amount of sulfur inside the pore structure. CNT was composited with silica to enhance the electronic conductivity of the interlayer, which is beneficial for fast sulfur redox reaction kinetics and improved utilization of sulfur. Compared to the pristine and CNT-modified separator, the mesoporous silica/CNT composite-modified separator enables better cycling stability and rate performance. More importantly, it was demonstrated that separately incorporating sulfur into a cathode and interlayer enables better battery performance than locating all the sulfur in the cathode. At a total sulfur loading of 4 mg cm−2 (3 mg cm−2 sulfur on the cathode and 1 mg cm−2 on the mesoporous silica/CNT interlayer), a high initial discharge capacity of 1410 mAh g−1 and a retained capacity of 952 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles were exhibited. This work provides important guidance for future design of functional interlayers for practical Li–S batteries.

Rationally Designed Li-Ag Alloy with In-Situ-Formed Solid Electrolyte Interphase for All-Solid-State Lithium Batteries.

All-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) with sulfide-based solid electrolytes have attracted significant attention as promising energy storage devices, owing to their high energy density and enhanced safety. However, the combination of a lithium metal anode and a sulfide solid electrolyte results in performance degradation, owing to lithium dendrite growth and the side reactions of lithium metal with the solid electrolyte. To address these issues, a Ag-based Li alloy with a favorable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) was prepared using electrodeposition and applied to the ASSLB as an anode. The electrochemically formed SEI layer on the Li-Ag alloy primarily comprised LiF and Li2O with high mechanical strength and Li3N with high ionic conductivity, which suppressed the formation of lithium dendrites and short-circuiting of the cell. The symmetric cell with the Li-Ag alloy achieved a critical current density of 1.6 mA cm-2 and maintained stable cycling for over 2000 h at a current density of 0.6 mA cm-2. Consequently, the all-solid-state lithium cell assembled with the Li-Ag alloy anode with SEI, Li6PS5Cl solid electrolyte, and LiNi0.78Co0.10Mn0.12O2 cathode delivered a high discharge capacity of 185 mAh g-1 and exhibited good cycling performance in terms of cycling stability and rate capability at 25 °C.

Quantitative Kinetic Insights from Operando-UV/Vis Spectroscopy: An Application to NH3-SCR of NOx on Cu-CHA Catalysts.

We employ UV/Vis Diffuse Reflectance spectroscopy directly coupled with a packed bed flow reactor to extract quantitative kinetic information. We use as a show-case the CuII/CuI redox dynamics during the reduction half cycle of the NH3-Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) on Cu-CHA catalysts. Our measurements enable quantification of the fraction of oxidized Cu, reconstructed by Multivariate Curve Resolution (MCR) together with monitoring of the gas-phase evolution during the reaction. These data both on the dynamics of the gas-phase and of the active site oxidation state have been used to assess the reduction half cycle rate equation and estimate the rate constant. Our results in terms of reaction orders and kinetic constant are in line with previous findings in the literature. Overall, our results demonstrate that the combined analysis of the UV spectra and of the gas-phase dynamics provides converging and unparalleled kinetic insight: this approach effectively resolves ambiguities concerning RHC kinetics and mechanism. More in general, this work provides evidence that operando spectroscopy can be used to extract quantitative kinetic information on catalytic cycles.

Quantitative Kinetic Insights from Operando‐UV/Vis Spectroscopy: An Application to NH3−SCR of NOx on Cu‐CHA Catalysts

AbstractWe employ UV/Vis Diffuse Reflectance spectroscopy directly coupled with a packed bed flow reactor to extract quantitative kinetic information. We use as a show‐case the CuII/CuI redox dynamics during the reduction half cycle of the NH3‐Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) on Cu‐CHA catalysts. Our measurements enable quantification of the fraction of oxidized Cu, reconstructed by Multivariate Curve Resolution (MCR) together with monitoring of the gas‐phase evolution during the reaction. These data both on the dynamics of the gas‐phase and of the active site oxidation state have been used to assess the reduction half cycle rate equation and estimate the rate constant. Our results in terms of reaction orders and kinetic constant are in line with previous findings in the literature. Overall, our results demonstrate that the combined analysis of the UV spectra and of the gas‐phase dynamics provides converging and unparalleled kinetic insight: this approach effectively resolves ambiguities concerning RHC kinetics and mechanism. More in general, this work provides evidence that operando spectroscopy can be used to extract quantitative kinetic information on catalytic cycles.

Tailored synthesis of a unique two-dimensional pretzel-like core-shell SnO2/C composite for improved lithium storage performance

In this research, a unique two-dimensional (2D) core-shell SnO2/C composite with a distinctive pretzel-like morphology was successfully synthesized using the tin-citrate complex as the tin source, and glucose as the carbon source through a hydrothermal synthesis, and followed by a high-temperature carbonization process. When assessed as an anode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the composite demonstrated a significant specific capacity of 529 mAh g−1 at a current density of 200 mA g−1 after 100 cycles. Furthermore, it maintained ca. 200 mAh g−1 at a high current density of 1.6 A g−1, indicating excellent cycling stability and rate capability. The remarkable electrochemical performance can be ascribed to the well-dispersed nanoscale SnO2 particles within the amorphous carbon matrix, the distinctive core-shell structure and 2D pretzel-like conductive network. The prepared SnO2/C composite can be a promising alternative anode for future LIBs, offering higher energy density, prolonged cycle life, and faster charging capability compared to traditional graphite-based anodes.

Biological Applications, In Vitro Cytotoxicity, Cellular Uptake, and Apoptotic Pathway Studies Induced by Ternary Cu (II) Complexes Involving Triflupromazine with Biorelevant Ligands.

The novel mixed-ligand complexes derived from the parent antidepressant phenothiazine drug triflupromazine (TFP) were synthesized along with the secondary ligands glycine and histidine. [Cu(TFP)(Gly)Cl]·2H2O (1) and [Cu(TFP)(His)Cl]·2H2O (2) were examined for their in vitro biological properties. Cyclic voltammetry was used to study the binding of both complexes to CT-DNA. The two complexes were examined for antiviral, antiparasite, and anti-inflammatory applications. An in vitro cytotoxicity study on two different cancer cell lines, MCF-7, HepG2, and a normal cell line, HSF, shows promising selective cytotoxicity for cancer cells. An investigation of the cell cycle and apoptosis rates was evaluated by flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC/Propidium Iodide (PI) staining of the treated cells. Gene expression and western blotting were carried out to determine the expression levels of the pro-apoptotic markers and the anti-apoptotic marker Bcl2. The tested complexes decreased cell viability and triggered apoptosis in human tumor cell lines. Molecular docking was also used to simulate Bcl2 inhibition. Finally, complex (2) has potent antitumor effects on human tumor cells, especially against HepG2 cells, as seen in the cellular drug uptake assay. Consequently, complex (2) may prove useful against cancer, especially liver cancer. For further understanding, it needs to be explored in vivo.

Mixed-valent Fe-MOF accelerated Fe(III)/Fe(II) cycle for highly efficient photo-Fenton-like catalytic degradation of organic pollutants: Boosting mechanism and degradation pathways

Fe-based metal-organic frameworks (Fe-MOFs) show great potential as effective Fenton catalysts in practical pollutants degradation. However, the sluggish cycling rate of the Fe(III)/Fe(II) pair severely impedes their catalytic performance, and thus hinders the framework's effectiveness. In this work, by employing a mixed-valent Fe-MOF, we proposed an innovative strategy to address the limitation of Fe(III)/Fe(II) cycle of Fe-MOF in photo-Fenton-like reaction. We pioneered a direct Fe(II) proportional substitution method to synthesize a variety of mixed-valent Fe-MOFs by adjusting the FeIII/FeII ratio in the precursor, utilizing MIL-53(Fe)-NH2 as the template material. Notably, with superior accelerated Fe(III)/Fe(II) cycle, the constructed Fe-MOF-2 with a distinctive FeIII/FeII ratio of 3:1 displayed exceptional oxytetracycline (OTC) catalytic degradation capabilities, with an impressive degradation rate of 92.6 % within 30 min. The FeIII/FeII mixed-valent structure was proven to expedite the rate-determining step of PMS activation, which involved the reduction process of the Fe(III)/Fe(II) cycle. The production of more iron-unsaturated sites effectively promoted the production of SO4•− and •OH, which contributed significantly to the OTC degradation. Additionally, the possible removal intermediates, mechanism and pathways of OTC degradation in the Fe-MOF-2-based system were elucidated. This study provides a pioneering perspective, and demonstrates the potential application of mixed-valent Fe-MOF as a photo-Fenton-like catalyst.

An improved sensing data cleaning scheme for object localization in edge computing environment

Abstract Radio frequency identification (RFID) is widely applied due to its fast identification speed and non-contact detection. However, the identification process of RFID tags is susceptible to interference from other tags and environmental factors, resulting in inaccurate identification data. To overcome these problem, this paper proposes an improved sensing data cleaning scheme for object localization in edge computing environment. In tag level data cleaning, we use adaptive sliding window and further consider dynamic tags and read rate in continuous reading cycle to adjust the window size timely and appropriately. In the reader level data cleaning, we estimate the tag number based on Chebyshev’s inequality through Markov chain for cyclic control and optimize different time slot lengths to improve the recognition rate. We build an edge computing environment and combine the proposed tag-level cleaning method and reader-level cleaning method to form a comprehensive RFID data cleaning process. Comparative experimental results show that the RFID data cleaning method proposed in this paper can effectively reduce redundant and missing data and improve the accuracy of tag recognition.

Optimizing single blastocyst selection: the role of day 3 embryo morphology in vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer cycles

Can day 3 embryo morphology serve as an independent criterion for optimal single blastocyst selection? This retrospective, single-centre cohort study included 1517 single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer (SVBT) cycles conducted between October 2019 and July 2022. The live birth rate (LBR) and other clinical outcomes of SVBT cycles were evaluated, considering both good-quality and non-good-quality day 3 embryos. The associations of day 3 morphological characteristics, encompassing number of blastomeres and embryo grade, were assessed. Multivariable analyses were undertaken using multiple models adjusted for day of blastocyst development and blastocyst grade. Blastocysts from good-quality day 3 embryos had significantly higher LBR compared with those from non-good-quality embryos for both day 5 (51.5% versus 42.9%; P = 0.013) and day 6 (25.1% versus 17.6%; P = 0.018) blastocysts. LBR did not differ significantly with number of blastomeres on day 3, regardless of day of blastocyst development (day 5/6) or blastocyst grade. LBR varied significantly by day 3 embryo grade for both day 5 (48.0%, 51.5%, 46.6% and 32.7% for grades I, II, III and IV-V; P = 0.005) and day 6 (41.5%, 23.6%, 15.9% and 16.1% for grades I, II, III and IV-V; P = 0.001) blastocysts. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that non-good-quality embryos and lower morphological grade (IV-V) on day 3 were significantly and negatively correlated with LBR, while the number of blastomeres on day 3 was not an independent factor. When selecting blastocysts of equal quality for SVBT cycles, those with higher day 3 morphological scores are preferred. Day 3 morphological evaluation is a valuable supplement to conventional selection methods.

Reproductive characteristics and success rate of intracytoplasmic sperm microinjection in spinal cord injury infertile men: Retrospective cohort study.

Thanks to modern methods of assisted reproduction (ART), parenthood has become an attainable goal for couples in which the male partner has experienced spinal cord injury (SCI). The aim of our study was to determine the success of the treatment of infertile patients with SCI with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) of cryopreserved sperm obtained by the testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) procedure. In this retrospective study 156 infertile couples were included, in which the male partner is primarily infertile due to azoospermia. Infertile couples were divided into two groups. The first group (n= 82) includes men with SCI, and the second (n= 74) men with obstructive azoospermia (OA) as the cause of infertility. All infertile men were examined and processed in the diagnostic procedure, and based on the urological findings, surgical extraction of sperm from the testicles was indicated. Exclusion criteria were the age of women over 40 and men over 45. We found that the quality of sperm was worse in the group with SCI, compared to the group with OA, but without statistical significance. Zenica and Johnsen score (p= 0.001; p= 0.000) showed worse semen characteristics in the group with SCI. There were no significant differences in the average number of embryos (p= 0.698), pregnancy rates per cycle (p= 0.979) and pregnancy rates per embrio transfer (ET), clinical pregnancy rates per ET (p= 0.987) and delivery rates per ET (p= 0.804) in couples with SCI, compared to couples with OA. Based on the results of this research, the TESA and ICSI procedures can be recommended as a successful method in the treatment of male infertility caused by azoospermia due to SCI.

Optimization method for capacity of BESS considering charge‐discharge cycle and renewable energy penetration rate

AbstractIn order to achieve the “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality” goals, we must vigorously develop renewable energy power generation. As the penetration of renewables progressively escalates, the corresponding demand for battery energy storage systems (BESS) within the power grid rises concomitantly. This paper presents an innovative optimization approach for configuring BESS, taking into account the incremental variations in renewable energy penetration levels and BESS charge‐discharge cycles. Employing incremental analytical techniques and pivotal metrics such as capacity elasticity, the proposed method determines the optimal penetration rate and corresponding BESS capacity outcomes for deploying energy storage systems. An example analysis of a rural power distribution benchmark is carried out by using the method in this paper, which proves the effectiveness of the method in this paper. This methodology was substantiated through its application to a case study of a rural power distribution benchmark, thereby validating its efficacy. Furthermore, it was compared with the particle swarm optimization, providing a comparative assessment of their relative performance.

Pegylated recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor for primary prophylaxis of neutropenia in patients with cervical cancer receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy: a prospective study

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of pegylated recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (PEG-rhG-CSF) for primary prophylaxis of neutropenia in patients with cervical cancer receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy.MethodsIn this prospective, single-center, single-arm study, we enrolled patients (18–70 years) with 2018 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IIIC1r-IVA and IVB (distant metastasis only with inguinal lymph node metastasis) cervical cancer. Eligible patients should have normal function of the bone marrow (absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥ 2.0 × 109/L) and adequate hepatic and renal functions. Key exclusion criteria included: previous chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy; a history of bone marrow dysplasia or other hematopoietic abnormalities. All patients underwent radical radiotherapy (pelvic radiotherapy or extended-field irradiation) plus brachytherapy. The chemotherapy regimen included four cycles of 3-weekly paclitaxel and cisplatin. PEG-rhG-CSF was administered 48–72 h after each treatment cycle. Salvage granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) was only permitted in certain circumstances. The primary endpoint was the incidence of grade 3–4 neutropenia. The secondary endpoints included frequency of febrile neutropenia (FN), chemotherapy completion rate in cycles 2–4, time to complete radiotherapy, and safety.ResultsOverall, 52 patients were enrolled in this study from July 2019 to October 2020. The incidence of grade 3–4 neutropenia was 28.8%, with an average duration of grade 3–4 neutropenia persistence of 3.85 days (1–7 days). The incidence rate of FN was 3.8%. The chemotherapy completion rate was 94.2%, 82.7%, and 75.0% for cycles 2–4, respectively. The incidences of grade 3–4 neutropenia for cycles 1–4 were 9.6% (5/52), 8.2% (4/49), 14.0% (6/43), and 2.6% (1/39), respectively. All patients completed radiotherapy within 8 weeks (median, 48 days; range: 41–56 days), except one patient who withdrew consent and did not receive radiotherapy. Severe non-hematologic toxicity was not observed in any patient.ConclusionPEG-rhG-CSF is an effective and safe prophylactic treatment for neutropenia in patients with cervical cancer undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900024494. Date of Registration:13/July/2019.

Effect of time since vasectomy on live birth rate of TESE‒ICSI egg donation cycles and male-related prognostic factors.

Vasectomy is a widely used method of contraception. However, some men may have the desire to become biological fathers again after a period. To explore the effect of time since vasectomy and different male comorbidities on live birth rates from intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles using donated oocytes by using testicular spermatozoa obtained by testicular sperm extraction. This was a retrospective study of 123 couples who underwent a testicular sperm extraction‒intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycle after vasectomy using donated oocytes. Subjects were divided into groups according to time since vasectomy and the male risk factor evaluated. The main outcomes measured were live birth rate per embryo transfer, per oocyte donation cycle, and per couple. We assessed the cumulative live birth rate according to the time since vasectomy and considered male comorbidities: body mass index, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and smoking. The overall live birth rate per couple was 59.3% (50.6-68.0). Considering the number of embryo transfer and oocyte donation cycle, the live birth rates were 34.1% (27.8-40.4) and 44.5% (36.9-52.1), respectively. The live birth rate according to time since vasectomy was not statistically different between groups. Consequently, the cumulative live birth rate was similar between the different interval times when considering one to eight embryo transfers (p=0.74). No statistical differences in live birth rate and cumulative live birth rate were found between groups clustered according to male body mass index, smoking, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. However, diabetic male patients had a significantly lower rate of live birth rate per couple (22.2% [4.94-49.4]) than non-diabetic patients did (62.7% [53.7-71.8]) (p=0.03), but not in their cumulative live birth rate. The time since vasectomy seems to have no detrimental effects on the live birth rate and cumulative live birth rate in testicular sperm extraction‒intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles with donated oocytes. Male diabetes negatively affects the overall live birth rate per couple, but not the cumulative live birth rate. These results could be useful for multidisciplinary patient-tailored counseling, regarding the chance of having a pregnancy and facilitating the decision-making process of the fertility specialists.

Development towards a novel screening method for nipecotic acid bioisosteres using molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs) as alternative to in vitro cellular uptake assays

Impaired expression of GABA transporters (GATs) is closely related to the pathogenesis of among others Parkinson's disease and epilepsy. As such, lipophilic nipecotic acid analogs have been extensively studied as GAT1-addressing drugs and radioligands but suffer from limited brain uptake due to the zwitterionic properties of the nipecotic acid moiety. Bioisosteric replacement of the carboxylic acid group is a promising strategy to improve the brain uptake, though it requires knowledge on the binding of these isosteres to GAT1. To screen nipecotic acid isosteres for their affinity to GAT1 in a time- and cost-effective manner, this research aims to develop a molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) that mimics the natural binding site of GAT1 and can act as an alternative screening tool to the current radiometric and mass spectrometry cellular-based assays. To this end, a nipecotic acid MIP was created using the electropolymerization of ortho-phenylenediamine (oPD) by cyclic voltammetry (CV). The optimization of the generated receptor layer was achieved by varying the scan rate (50–250 mV/s) and number of CV cycles (5–12), yielding an optimized MIP with an average imprinting factor of 2.6, a linear range of 1–1000 nm, and a theoretical LOD of 0.05 nm, as analyzed by electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Selectivity studies facilitated the investigation of major binding interactions between the MIP and the substrate, building an experimental model that compares characteristics of various analogs. Results from this model indicate that the substrate carboxylic acid group plays a more important role in binding than an amine group, after comparing the binding of cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (average IF of 1.7) and piperidine (average IF of 0.46). The research culminates in a discussion regarding the feasibility of the in vitro model, comparing the synthetic system against the biological performance of GAT1. Thus, evaluating if it is possible to generate a synthetic GAT1 mimic, and if so, provide directions for follow-up research.

A cell-based fluorescent system and statistical framework to detect meiosis-like induction in plants.

Genetic gains made by plant breeders are limited by generational cycling rates and flowering time. Several efforts have been made to reduce the time to switch from vegetative to reproductive stages in plants, but these solutions are usually species-specific and require flowering. The concept of in vitro nurseries is that somatic plant cells can be induced to form haploid cells that have undergone recombination (creating artificial gametes), which can then be used for cell fusion to enable breeding in a Petri dish. The induction of in vitro meiosis, however, is the largest current bottleneck to in vitro nurseries. To help overcome this, we previously described a high-throughput, bi-fluorescent, single cell system in Arabidopsis thaliana, which can be used to test the meiosis-like induction capabilities of candidate factors. In this present work, we validated the system using robust datasets (>4M datapoints) from extensive simulated meiosis induction tests. Additionally, we determined false-detection rates of the fluorescent cells used in this system as well as the ideal tissue source for factor testing.